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| © UNICEF UK/2006/Burmeston |
| Dwight Yorke is one of the few players to own winner’s medals for the FA Cup, the Premier League and the European Champions League. |
Dwight Yorke, captain of the Trinidad and Tobago national team, is an international football phenomenon. Yorke has been a friend and supporter of UNICEF since 2001, when he took part in a mission to the Far East with other teammates from his former Manchester United squad - organizing a morning of football skills coaching for 24 children from UNICEF-supported child-friendly Schools in Bangkok as part of the United for UNICEF partnership.
The children had the chance to practice their skills – dribbling, passing and ball control – with their favorite football stars. "What could be better than using football, which breaks down boundaries of race, culture and status, to make a real difference to the children of this world?" said Mr. Yorke during the trip.
This summer, he is once again teaming up with UNICEF as part of its partnership with the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Born in Canaan, Tobago, in 1971, Dwight signed with Aston Villa at the tender age of 17, after impressing coaches while Villa were on tour in the West Indies. It took him time to settle before he proved himself as Aston Villa’s first choice striker.
He played played an instrumental role in leading the Villa team that reached the League Cup Final in 1996. After a stellar career with Aston that saw him become the team’s twelfth all-time leading scorer in 1998, he was recruited by Manchester United.
Back in his star role
On Manchester United, Mr. Yorke emerged as one of the world’s top strikers. In his first season with the squad, he earned the prestigious Carling Player of the Year Award. That year, and the following two years, he played an integral part in helping to lead Manchester United to three consecutive Premiership titles.
After a tremendous run with Manchester United, Mr. Yorke moved on to short stints with the Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City. He ended up leaving the Premier League, signing with Sydney FC in Australia in 2004.
In Sydney, Mr. Yorke has settled back into his star role. His immense success on the pitch and popularity with the fans recently earned him the role of team captain.
As the seventh highest goal scorer in the history of the English Premier League - with the rare trifecta of winners medals from the FA Cup, the Premier League and the European Champions League – Mr. Yorke is one of football’s most accomplished players.
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